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Multiple-up layouts are a great way to squeeze as much efficiency as possible from automated equipment for certain projects. Folding is no exception, and folder slitting is a key component of multiple-up folding production. When planning a multiple-up folding project, here are a few suggestions to keep in mind:
Limit Product Thickness for Best Quality - Slitting is performed by rotary slitter shafts that are located just after the last set of folder rollers. Once a piece is folded, blades located on the slitter shafts split and separate the paper. While this process offers excellent results for most projects, paper edge quality suffers on bulkier projects.
To ensure consistently high slitting quality, keep the total paper thickness (stock thickness multiplied by the number of panels) to .024" for enamel stock and .028" for offset stock. This is particularly important for projects printed on enamel stock, which is typically used for higher-quality, full-color products. Let's face it: If your customer spared no expense on paper and printing, they aren't likely to accept ragged edges on their finished product!
Small-Format Products May Pose Problems - Folded pieces are transferred between two sets of rollers - the last pair of folder rollers and the pair of slitter shafts - during the slitting process. Since most folder rollers are about 2" in diameter, there is a gap of about the same distance where the piece is "ungripped" as it travels between roller sets.
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The gap between the last fold rollers and the slitter rollers(above) is typically about 2". For that reason, slitting final-size pieces smaller than that will yield erratic results. |
That means pieces with a final size smaller than 2" are not good slitting candidates, as the lack of grip will lead to crooked slits. Uneven roller pressure can also cause problems on small-format pieces, as the trailing edge of the piece may curl, resulting in uneven edges. Let your friends at Rickard Bindery help you with your layouts to avoid these and other potential problems.
The Rickard Advantage
The small-format folding capability at Rickard Bindery sets us apart. Our minature folding machines has smaller diameter rollers, meaning the gap between the last set of rollers and the slitter is 1.375". Whether your project requires small- or large-format, miniature, standard or specialty folding capabilities, we have the expertise and range of specialized equipment to handle it. Complementary services such as cutting, gluing (including ez-release and remoist), saddle stitching, attaching, scoring and perforating allow you to consolidate production with one experienced provider.
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